DE60223965T2 - Power control unit for a vehicle - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The The present invention relates to a vehicle having two sources of energy or power sources, each having different voltages, one Inverter and a converter or a converter, and in particular a vehicle power control unit in which the Converter and the converter modularized or unified are.

2. Description of the related State of the art

In known electric and hybrid vehicles are two sources of power each with different voltages, an inverter and a conversion device provided. In electric and hybrid vehicles this Type are the inverter and the converter usually integral to the ease of installation in the vehicle as well as the Ease of maintenance and other operations to improve.

In The known electric and hybrid vehicles are grounding cables for the Inverter and the conversion device provided independently of each other, being electrically connected to the vehicle body or the body, around the inverter and the converter separate with ground to connect or ground. This grounding arrangement tends to a Wiring system with a relatively large number of components to complicate things in undesirable Way an increase the manufacturing cost of the power control unit and deterioration the serviceability of the power control unit caused.

In the publication US-B1-6,202,776 is a drive system, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a drive assembly, in particular an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, which is coupled or can be coupled directly to the drive shaft of the drive assembly, which is designed so that it can start the drive assembly from a standstill , as well as an automatic start-stop control of the drive assembly disclosed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It An object of the present invention is to increase the Production costs and a deterioration of ease of maintenance a power unit of a vehicle to reduce the two power sources with respective different voltages, a converter and a conversion device.

These Task is by a power control unit according to claim 1 solved. advantageous Further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

The The above object can according to an embodiment of the present Invention solved which provides a power control unit, which in a vehicle is installed, the (a) a first power source and (b) a second power source, each of which is different (C) an inverter connected to a rotating device and the first and / or the second power source to connect is, and (d) comprises a conversion device, which with the first and the second energy source is to be connected. The power control unit has a unitary housing in which housed the inverter and the conversion device are. The unitary housing is from an electrically conductive Material formed and has a ground connection formed thereon on. The inverter and the converter are connected to the ground terminal via the unit housing connected. The conversion device is in the unit housing below arranged the inverter.

In the vehicle power control unit constructed as described above are the inverter and the converter with the common Ground connection via the unitary housing connected, which is formed from the electrically conductive material is. Accordingly, the Inverter and the conversion device not with the vehicle body via respective separate ground lines are connected. This arrangement makes it possible the number of components and the manufacturing cost of the power control unit to reduce, an associated Wiring system or piping system and ease of maintenance or other operations at the power control unit improve.

According to one first preferred embodiment According to the present invention, the ground terminal is integral with unit housing educated.

The Unit housing, having the integrally formed ground terminal, is in terms of a Reduction of the number of required components of the power control unit effective.

According to a further preferred Ausfüh In accordance with the present invention, a cooling device is provided between the converter and the conversion device.

Of the Inverter and the converter generate during a Operating heat and must chilled become. This cooling can through the cooling device be achieved between the inverter and the conversion device is provided. Thus, the cooling structure is simplified.

According to one another preferred embodiment In the present invention, the ground terminal is on an upper side surface of the unit housing educated.

Of the on the upper surface of the unit housing trained ground connection allows one easy maintenance or other operations in the power control unit.

According to one another preferred embodiment According to the present invention, the unit housing comprises a first one housing element to the ground terminal and a second housing element, wherein the inverter and / or the conversion device connected to the second housing element is and the first and second housings fixed together and electrically connected to each other.

In this preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the unit housing the first and the second housing element As described above, the power control unit be easily maintained by the first and the second housing element be dismantled. If, for one reason or another in the design of the power control unit, the inverter and the conversion device with the second housing element without one on it formed ground terminal are connected, the first housing element with the ground terminal formed thereon and the second housing member fixed to each other and electrically connected to each other, such that the inverter and the conversion device are electrical connected to the ground terminal, the intended Functions of the inverter and the conversion device ensured are.

According to one advantageous arrangement of the aforementioned preferred embodiment the invention is the inverter with the first housing element connected while the conversion device is connected to the second housing element.

According to one further advantageous arrangement of the aforementioned preferred embodiment According to the invention, the first and the second housing element are electrically connected by a bus bar connected to each other on the outer surfaces of the first and second housing elements is fixed.

In The arrangement described above are the first and the second Housing element through the bus bar electrically connected to each other, which is fixed to their outer surfaces is. Thus, the electrical connection of the first and the second housing element be achieved in a simple manner by a simple arrangement. When a sealing element made of a resin material is for a splash protection or a liquid-tightness in the Connection between the first and the second housing element is provided the first and the second housing element be electrically connected by the busbar, so that the inverter and the converter with the ground terminal can be connected the intended functions of the converter and the converter are ensured.

According to one further advantageous arrangement of the preferred embodiment described above The present invention includes both the first and the second housing element a sealing portion and a metallic contactor portion at a junction between the first and the second housing element on.

The above-mentioned arrangement in which the sealing portion and the metallic contactor section at the junction are provided between the first and the second housing element, allows a continuity between the two housing elements, without any exclusive Elements, such as a busbar to use while a liquid-tightness between the two housing elements is ensured.

According to one another preferred embodiment The present invention provides coil turns of the rotary device and the inverter connected to each other by power wires, where connection sections to which the power lines connected are on an upper surface the unitary housing arranged are.

In the arrangement described above, in which the terminal portions are arranged on the upper surface of the unit housing, the terminal portions and the power lines can be easily connected to each other become.

In According to the arrangement described above, it is desirable that the terminal portions the upper surface sticking out of the unit housing and then extend laterally to the unitary housing.

In the aforementioned desired arrangement, in which the terminal portions are raised from the upper surface of the unit housing stand out, the connection friendliness of the terminal sections becomes with the power lines further improved. Additionally prevent the terminal portions which extend laterally to the unit housing, a big vertical distance between the upper surface of the unit housing and the corresponding end sections of the power lines with the connection portions are connected, so that the structure, the includes the terminal portions and is arranged around them, can be made relatively compact, while a simple electrical Connection between the connection sections and the power lines allows is.

In The desired arrangement just described above is to prefer that the unit case a main body section and an upper housing section included in the main body portion removably fixed in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface is, wherein the upper housing portion an upper wall with an opening which allows the terminal sections to go through there, when the upper housing section to the main body portion is fixed and from the main body portion Will get removed.

In The preferred arrangement just described above may be the upper housing section from the main body portion away in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface be what the maintenance or servicing the power control unit simplified. When the upper housing section to the main body portion is fixed and from the main body portion can be removed the terminal sections pass through the opening. Consequently can fixation and removal of the upper housing portion without disturbing the Connection sections are executed.

In the arrangement just described above, it is further preferable a connection carrier plate to be provided on the upper surface of the upper housing section is arranged such that the connection carrier plate, the connection sections wearing normally and over the opening extends, wherein the connection support plate on the upper surface of the upper housing section sliding laterally to the upper housing section is movable.

In the above-described further preferred arrangement carries the Anschlussträgerplatte the Terminal portions. When the upper housing portion of the main body portion is removed, the terminal support portion on the upper surface of upper housing section away from the opening slidably moved so that the connecting sections on the top surface of the upper housing section remain. When the upper housing section to the main body portion is fixed, the connection carrier plate is slidably moved, such that the connection sections through the connection carrier plate, those on the upper surface of the upper housing section is arranged to be worn. Accordingly, the upper housing section in a simple way to the main body section be fixed and removed from the main body portion.

In the above-described arrangement, the terminal support plate be sized so that it is able to open the opening shut down.

The Terminal support plate, which closes the opening prevents intrusion of foreign bodies or Water in the unit housing.

The The above-mentioned rotary device may be a three-phase rotary device such as a three-phase AC motor / generator. In this case, you can the above-mentioned terminal portions connecting portions which correspond to respective coil turns of the three phases of the three-phase rotating device.

The unitary case may be provided with a cover member fixed thereto. This cover member includes a portion that extends over the terminal portions and covers the terminal portions, and has a projection and a recess for positioning the cover member with respect to the unit housing. Thanks to the provision of the projection and the recess prevents the cover 126 misaligned with respect to the unitary housing.

advantageously, can the unit case be installed in an engine compartment of the vehicle.

According to an associated advantageous arrangement, the unit housing is dimensioned such that the unit housing on a in the Mo Torraum arranged battery console can be arranged.

In In the above arrangement, it is possible to make a required design change the engine compartment of the vehicle with the two electrical power sources with respect to the engine compartment of a vehicle having a single electrical power source to minimize.

In an advantageous arrangement of the present invention, the first power source a DC power source with a nominal voltage be of 12 V while the second power source is a DC power source having a rated voltage that can be higher than 12V is. In this case, the unitary housing can have a have positive connection of the first power source fixed in itself.

conventional Vehicles generally have a DC source with a Rated voltage of 12 V, d. H. a 12V DC battery, which is arranged in a battery console, in an engine compartment of the vehicle is arranged. When the unitary case of the Power control unit can be arranged in the battery console would, would be the Worker or vehicle driver confused when the engine of the vehicle is started with a jumper cable, the connected to the 12 V DC battery, which is in another Vehicle is provided.

In In view of the above difficulty, the positive one is Connecting the 12V DC battery desirably fixed to the unit housing, so that the worker can make the positive connection without difficulty can find when the engine of the present vehicle with the 12V DC battery provided in another vehicle is started.

According to one another preferred embodiment The present invention are connecting elements, each with a plurality of components installed in the vehicle are to be connected, in a one-piece housing housed, which is fixed to the unit housing.

In the above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the invention, at the connecting elements for a connection of the various components of the vehicle with the power control unit housed in the one-piece housing are, the power control unit can be made compact and can be easily maintained.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention described above the one-piece housing preferably removably fixed to the unit housing.

In the above-described arrangement in which the one-piece housing removable to the unitary housing is fixed, the ease of maintenance of the power control unit further improved.

The Operating voltages of the plurality of components are different and the connecting elements, which are the same with the components Operating voltage to be connected are preferably in the one-piece casing accommodated.

In The above-described arrangement becomes easy to maintain the power control unit further improved, since in the one-piece housing accommodated connection elements to connect with the components are that have the same operating voltage.

According to one Another embodiment of the present invention is a power control unit for a Vehicle provided electrically with a first power source with a rated voltage of 12 V and a second power source connected to a rated voltage of 36 V, the power control unit a unitary case in which accommodates an inverter and a conversion device are. A first electrical line, each one the inverter and / or the conversion device with the first power source connects, and a second electrical power to the inverter and / or the conversion device with the second power source connects, have respective outer sheaths each with different colors. The outer jacket of the second Line can have a yellow color, for example, a light yellow color.

In the power control unit according to this embodiment of Invention are the outer sheaths the first and second electrical lines colored differently to a distinction between these first and second lines to facilitate, so the ease of maintenance of the power control unit is improved.

Usually, an electrical wire with an orange outer sheath is used to indicate that it is seriously damaging to the human body to be exposed to the voltage of the electric wire. In contrast, it is not so seriously harmful to the human body, the voltage of the second electrical line connected to the second power source with the ver equivalent high voltage is connected to suspend, and it is still dangerous. Thus, the outer sheath of the second electrical lead is colored light yellow to clearly inform the worker that it is not so seriously damaging to the human body to be exposed to the voltage of the second electrical lead, but that it is still dangerous to the human body ,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features, advantages, technical and industrial significance of the invention will be through a study the detailed below Description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention considering the attached Drawing better visible. Show it:

1 a schematic system representation of a motor vehicle, which is a power control unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention,

2 a representation illustrating various components that in the vehicle according to 1 are installed,

3 a plan view in a vertical cross section of the power control unit 100 at the vehicle,

4 a plan view of the power control unit 100 , with an associated cover 126 is removed,

5 a plan view of the power control unit 100 where the cover 126 installed on it,

6 a perspective view of the cover 126 , and

7 a cross-sectional view taken along a line 7-7 in 6 is taken.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In The following description and the accompanying drawings are by way of example embodiment of the present invention in more detail described.

In the 1 and 2 is a schematic system representation of a motor vehicle shown, which is an engine 2 of which an output is via a torque converter 4 to drive wheels 9 is transmitted, an automatic transmission 6 and an output wave 8th includes. The issue of the engine 2 becomes a belt as well 14 via a damping pulley 10 Transfer that with a crankshaft 2a is connected and an electromagnetic clutch 11 includes. The belt 14 connects the damping pulley 10 with two pulleys 16 . 18 to these pulleys 16 . 18 to turn. The electromagnetic clutch 11 that are in the cushioning pulley 10 is selectively offset into associated engagement and disengagement conditions as required to the pulley 10 with the crankshaft 2a to connect or disconnect from it.

The pulley 16 is with a rotary shaft 21 an engine driven device 20 connected so that the engine driven device 20 by a rotary drive force that passes over the belt 14 is transmitted, is operated. The engine driven device 20 For example, it may include a compressor for an air conditioning system, a power steering pump, and / or an engine cooling water pump.

The pulley 18 is with a rotary shaft 22 a motor / generator 26 (hereinafter abbreviated as "MG") which is a shape of a rotary device 26 Acts as an electric generator when it is needed, leaving one from the engine 2 over the pulley 18 or from the vehicle drive wheels 9 received rotary drive force through the MG 26 is converted into an electrical energy. The MG 26 It also acts as an electric motor when required to the crankshaft 2a and / or the rotary shaft 21 the engine driven device 20 over the rotary shaft 22 , the pulley 18 and the belt 14 to turn. The MG 26 is a three-phase AC motor / generator.

The vehicle has a power control unit 100 on, which is a converter 102 , a DC conversion device 104 or a DC / DC converter and a hybrid electronic control unit 106 (hereinafter abbreviated to "HV-ECU") 102 and the MG 26 are electrically connected to each other via power wires 131 . 131b and 131c connected while the inverter 102 and a second power source in the form of a high voltage DC power source 140 (For example, having a rated voltage of 36 V) electrically via a power line or a power wire 130b connected to each other. The DC converter 104 is electric with the inverter 102 and the high voltage DC power source 140 via a power line 130c and further with a first power source in the form of a low voltage power source 150 (For example, has a rated voltage of 12 V) via a power line or a power wire 130d connected. The outer sheaths of the power cables 131 . 131b . 131c . 130b and 130c are light yellow while those of the power line 130d is black.

If the MG 26 when the electric generator functions, the inverter performs 102 under the control of the HV-ECU 106 a switching action to control the voltage and amount of energy passing through the MG 26 are generated, to the high voltage DC power source 140 with the MG 26 to generate generated electrical energy. At the same time, charging of the low voltage DC power source also becomes 150 by the DC conversion device 104 causes.

During the MG 26 generates no electric power, the electric power from the high voltage DC power source 140 to the low voltage DC power source 150 supplied as these two sources of power 140 . 150 electrically connected to each other.

If the MG 26 when the electric motor acts, the inverter allows 102 under the control of the HV-ECU 106 in that the electrical power from the high voltage DC power source 140 to the MG 26 is supplied.

The HV-ECU 106 is set up to execute automatic engine stop and start controls as well as the inverter 102 to control. That is, the HV-ECU 106 automatically turns the engine 2 when a predetermined engine stop condition is met, and starts the engine 2 automatically when a predetermined engine start condition is satisfied. To effect automatic engine start control, the HV-ECU offsets 106 the electromagnetic clutch 11 in the pulley 10 is included in the associated engaged state and controls the inverter 102 such that the electric power from the high voltage DC power source 140 to the MG 26 supplied as described above to the MG 26 drive to the engine 2 boost. In the automatic engine stop control, the HV-ECU stops 106 the electromagnetic clutch 11 in the associated disengaged state and controls the inverter 102 such that the electric power from the high voltage DC power source 140 to the MG 26 supplied as described above to the MG 26 drive to the engine driven device 20 to press.

In 2 An exemplary arrangement of the various components installed on the vehicle is described.

The power control unit 100 has a unitary housing 110 on. The power control unit 100 is in a part of an engine room 40 arranged relatively close to a passenger or passenger compartment 42 is. The unitary housing 110 is dimensioned such that the unitary housing 110 may be mounted on a battery console (not shown) similar to that used to install a 12V DC power source used in a known vehicle using only the 12V power source device as its associated electric power source device. The unitary housing 110 is mounted in this vehicle on this battery console.

In contrast, the high voltage DC power source 140 and the low voltage DC power source 150 installed in a rear part of the vehicle.

The structure of the power control unit 100 is with reference to the 3 - 7 described in detail. In 3 FIG. 10 is a plan view in a vertical cross section of the power control unit. FIG 100 shown according to the present embodiment. In 4 Fig. 10 is a plan view of the power control unit 100 shown, with an associated cover 126 is removed. In 5 Fig. 10 is a plan view of the power control unit 100 shown, with the associated cover 126 installed on it. In 6 is a perspective view of the cover 126 shown while in 7 a cross-sectional view taken along a line 7-7 according to 6 is taken.

The unitary housing 110 consists of an upper housing section 110a and a lower main body portion 110b formed of a metallic electrically conductive material. The upper housing section 110a is removable on the main body portion 110b fixed such that the upper housing portion 110a perpendicular or upright from the main body portion 110b extends. The upper housing section 110a and the main body portion 110b are electrically by a metallic busbar 118 interconnected at an associated end with the outer surface of the upper housing portion 110a and at the other end with the outer surface of the main body portion 110b connected is. On the upper surface of the upper housing section 110a is a common ground connection or ground connection 112 integral with the upper housing section 110a educated.

In the unit case 110 is the DC converter 104 under the inverter 102 arranged. The inverter 102 has a negative connection with the upper housing section 110a via a contactor 114a while the DC conversion unit 104 having a negative terminal connected to the main body portion 110b via a contactor 114b connected is. As described above, the upper housing portion 110a with the integrally formed ground terminal 112 and the main body portion 110b electrically connected together so that the inverter 102 and the DC converter 104 electrically with the common ground connection 112 over the unit housing 110 are connected. The common ground connection 112 is connected via a suitable (not shown) conductor to the body or the body of the vehicle, so that the inverter 102 and the conversion device 104 connected to ground or grounded.

Each of three essentially L-shaped busbars 160a . 160b and 160c (corresponding to U, V and W phases, respectively) is at an associated end to the inverter 102 connected, wherein the other end portion of each busbar 160a . 160b . 160c through an opening 120 passing through the upper wall of the upper housing section 110a is formed, and laterally to the unit housing 110 extends to the front of the vehicle to serve as a terminal section 162a . 162b . 162c (which correspond respectively to the U, V and W phases) to act. With the connection sections 162a . 162b and 162c are the respective power lines 131 . 131b and 131c connected to the U, V and W phases of a stator coil (not shown) of the MG 26 match, so the inverter 102 with the MG 26 connected is.

The opening 120 passing through the upper wall of the upper housing section 110a is formed, has an opening area which is larger than a sum of the surface areas of the terminal portions 162a . 162b . 162c when viewed in the vertical direction, leaving the terminal sections 162a . 162b . 162c through the opening 120 can pass through, when the upper housing section 110a from the main body portion 110b Will get removed.

The connection sections 162a . 162b . 162c be through a connection carrier plate 122 worn on the upper surface of the upper housing section 110a is arranged so that the connection carrier plate 122 on the upper surface of the upper housing section 110a is slidably movable and the opening 120 closes.

To the upper housing section 110a is a cover 126 fixed, which includes a horizontally extending portion extending over the connecting portions 162a . 162b . 162c extends and covers them. As it is in the 6 and 7 is shown has the cover 126 a lead 127 and a recess 128 for engaging in a projection on the upper housing portion 110a is trained. This lead 127 and this depression 128 prevent erroneous positioning of the cover 126 with respect to the upper housing section 110a ,

As it is in 5 shown is a positive connection 152 for the low voltage DC power source 150 on the upper surface of the upper housing section 110a fixed so that the positive connection 152 through a connection cover 154 is covered. To inform the worker that the positive connection 152 for the low voltage DC power source 150 with the rated voltage of 12 V, the top surface is the terminal cover 154 with an indication "+12 V".

Between the inverter 102 and the DC converter 104 is a cooling device in the form of a cooling water channel 180 provided with an inlet pipe 180a and an outlet tube 180b communicates, leaving cooling water flowing through the inlet pipe 180a is introduced through the cooling water channel 180 flows and through the outlet pipe 180b is ejected.

The power control unit 100 is with connection elements 170a . 170b . 170c and 170d for connection to various components incorporated in the vehicle, such as a current sensor 190 , a temperature sensor 192 , a landing gear ECU 194 and an engine ECU 196 (in 1 shown). As the current sensor 190 , the temperature sensor 192 and the landing gear ECU 194 have the same operating voltage of 12 V, are the corresponding connection elements 170a - 170c in a one-piece housing 172 accommodated. This one-piece housing 172 is removable on the upper surface of the upper housing section 110a appropriate. A wiring harness 174 which is the interior of the performance control unit 100 and the one-piece housing 172 connects, extends through one of the side walls of the main body portion 110b as it is in 4 is shown, wherein a portion of the wiring harness 174 in the power control unit 100 is arranged.

A connection element 170e is provided to a field magnetic circuit in the power control unit 100 and on the rotor of the MG 26 to connect wound coil turns. The outer sheath one with the connection element 170e connected power line 133 has a light yellow (or golden yellow) color.

The upper housing section 110a acts as a first housing member while the main body portion 110b acts as a second housing element.

• (1) Sowohl der Umrichter 102 als auch die Umwandlungseinrichtung 104 sind mit dem gemeinsamen Masseanschluss 112 über das Einheitsgehäuse 110 verbunden, das aus dem elektrisch leitfähigen Material ausgebildet ist. Dementsprechend müssen der Umrichter 102 und die Umwandlungseinrichtung 104 nicht an der Fahrzeugkarosserie durch jeweilige getrennte Masseleitungen mit Masse verbunden werden. Diese Anordnung ermöglicht es, die Anzahl von Bauelementen und die Herstellungskosten der Leistungssteuerungseinheit 100 zu verringern, ein zugehöriges Leitungssystem bzw. Verdrahtungssystem zu vereinfachen und die Wartungsfreundlichkeit oder andere Arbeitsbetriebe bei der Leistungssteuerungseinheit 100 zu verbessern.
• (2) Während der Umrichter 102 und die Umwandlungseinrichtung 104 Wärme während des Betriebs erzeugen und gekühlt werden müssen, kann diese Kühlung durch den Kühlwasserkanal 180 erreicht werden, der zwischen dem Umrichter 102 und der Umwandlungseinrichtung 104 bereitgestellt ist. Somit ist der Kühlaufbau vereinfacht.
• (3) Der auf der oberen Oberfläche des Einheitsgehäuses 110 ausgebildete Masseanschluss 112 ermöglicht eine leichte Wartung und andere Arbeitsbetriebe bei der Leistungssteuerungseinheit 100.
• (4) Die Anschlussabschnitte 162a–162c, die auf der oberen Oberfläche des Einheitsgehäuses 110 angeordnet sind, ermöglichen einen einfachen Betrieb zum Verbinden der Anschlussabschnitte 162a–162c und der Leistungsleitungen 131a–131c.
• (5) Da die Anschlussabschnitte 162a–162c leicht nach oben von der oberen Oberfläche des Einheitsgehäuses 110 herausragen, wird die Verbindungsfreundlichkeit der Anschlussabschnitte 162a–162c mit den Leistungsleitungen 131a–131c weiter verbessert. Zusätzlich verhindern die Anschlussabschnitte 162a–162c, die sich zu dem Einheitsgehäuse 110 erstrecken, eine große vertikale Entfernung zwischen der oberen Oberfläche des Einheitsgehäuses 100 und der entsprechenden Endabschnitte der Leistungsleitungen 131a–131c, die mit den Anschlussabschnitten 162a–162c verbunden sind, so dass der Aufbau, der die Anschlussabschnitte 162a–162c beinhaltet und um diese herum angeordnet ist, relativ kompakt ausgeführt werden kann, während eine einfache elektrische Verbindung zwischen den Anschlussabschnitten 162a–162c und den Leistungsdrähten 131a–131c ermöglicht ist.
• (6) Das Einheitsgehäuse 110 besteht aus dem oberen Gehäuseabschnitt 110a und dem Hauptkörperabschnitt 110b. Der obere Gehäuseabschnitt 110a kann von dem Hauptkörperabschnitt 110b in der vertikalen Richtung entfernt werden, was die Wartung oder Instandhaltung der Leistungssteuerungseinheit 100 vereinfacht. Wenn der obere Gehäuseabschnitt 110a an den Hauptkörperabschnitt 110b fixiert wird und von diesem entfernt wird, wird die Anschlussträgerplatte 122, die die Anschlussabschnitte 162a–162c trägt, auf der oberen Oberfläche des oberen Gehäuseabschnitts 110a von der ursprünglichen Position, in der die Öffnung 120 durch die Anschlussträgerplatte 122 geschlossen ist, zu einer Position gleitend bewegt, in der die Öffnung 120 offen ist, so dass die Anschlussabschnitte 162a–162c durch die Öffnung 120 hindurchgehen können, wenn der obere Gehäuseabschnitt 110a fixiert und entfernt wird. Somit kann das Fixieren und Entfernen des oberen Gehäuseabschnitts 110a ohne Beeinträchtigung der Anschlussabschnitte 162a–162c ausgeführt werden. Wenn der obere Gehäuseabschnitt 110a an den Hauptkörperabschnitt 110d angebracht ist, wird die Anschlussträgerplatte 122 auf der oberen Oberfläche des oberen Gehäuseabschnitts 110a seitlich zu dem Einheitsgehäuse 110 gleitend bewegt, so dass nach dem Anbringen des oberen Gehäuseabschnitts 110a die Anschlussabschnitte 162a–162c auf der Anschlussträgerplatte 122 getragen werden, während die Öffnung 120 durch die Anschlussträgerplatte 122 geschlossen ist, um ein Eindringen von Fremdkörpern oder Wasser in das Einheitsgehäuse 100 durch die Öffnung 120 zu verhindern. Somit ermöglicht es eine einfache Bewegung der Anschlussträgerplatte 122, die Anschlussabschnitte 162a–162c zu tragen und die Öffnung 120 zu schließen.
• (7) Die Anschlusselemente 170a–170c zum Verbinden der verschiedenen Bauelemente des Fahrzeugs mit der Leistungssteuerungseinheit 100 sind in dem einteiligen Gehäuse 172 untergebracht, so dass die Leistungssteuerungseinheit 100 kompakt ausgeführt werden kann und einfach gewartet werden kann. Ferner ist das einteilige Gehäuse 172 entfernbar von dem Einheitsgehäuse 110, so dass der obere Gehäuseabschnitt 110a auf einfache Weise entfernt werden kann. Die Wartungsfreundlichkeit der Leistungssteuerungseinheit 100 wird weiter verbessert, da die Anschlusselemente 170a–170c, die in dem einteiligen Gehäuse 172 untergebracht sind, mit den Bauelementen mit der gleichen Betriebsspannung zu verbinden sind.
• (8) Es wird verhindert, dass die Abdeckung 126 irrtümlich in Bezug auf den oberen Gehäuseabschnitt 110a ausgerichtet wird, da der Vorsprung 127 und die Vertiefung 128 in Eingriff mit dem auf dem oberen Gehäuseabschnitt 110a ausgebildeten Vorsprung sind.
• (9) Das Einheitsgehäuse 110 ist derart dimensioniert, dass das Einheitsgehäuse 110 auf der Batteriekonsole angebracht werden kann, die in einem seitlichen Endabschnitt des Motorraums des Fahrzeugs bereitgestellt ist. Diese Anordnung ist wirksam, um eine erforderliche Entwurfsänderung des Motorraums des vorliegenden Fahrzeugs, das zwei elektrische Stromquellen aufweist, in Bezug auf den Motorraum eines Fahrzeugs, das eine einzelne elektrische Stromquelle aufweist, zu minimieren.
• (10) Der positive Anschluss 152 der Niedrigspannungsgleichstromquelle 150 (die die Nennspannung von 12 V aufweist) ist auf dem Einheitsgehäuse 110 fixiert, so dass, wenn die Kraftmaschine des vorliegenden Fahrzeugs mit einem Starthilfekabel gestartet wird, das den positiven Anschluss 152 mit einer 12 V-Gleichstrombatterie in einem anderen Fahrzeug verbindet, der Arbeiter den positiven Anschluss 152 ohne Schwierigkeiten finden kann.
• (11) Die äußeren Ummantelungen der Leistungsleitungen des Nenn-12 V-Leistungsquellensystems und die des Nenn-36 V-Leistungsquellensystems sind für eine einfache Unterscheidung zwischen diesen Leistungsleitungen in den zwei Systemen unterschiedlich gefärbt, so dass die Wartungsfreundlichkeit der Leistungssteuerungseinheit 100 verbessert ist. Die äußeren Ummantelungen der Leistungsleitungen 131a–131c, 130b, 130c und 133, die in dem Nenn-36 V-Leistungsquellensystem verwendet werden, weisen eine hellgelbe (oder goldgelbe) Farbe auf, um dem Arbeiter klar zu zeigen, dass es für den menschlichen Körper nicht ernsthaft schädlich ist, der Spannung dieser Leistungsleitungen ausgesetzt zu sein, dass es aber mehr oder weniger gefährlich für den menschlichen Körper ist.

The present embodiment of the invention described above has the following advantages:

• (1) Both the inverter 102 as well as the conversion device 104 are with the common ground connection 112 over the unit housing 110 connected, which is formed of the electrically conductive material. Accordingly, the inverter must 102 and the conversion device 104 not be connected to the vehicle body by respective separate ground lines to ground. This arrangement enables the number of components and the manufacturing cost of the power control unit 100 to reduce an associated wiring system and the ease of maintenance or other operations in the power control unit 100 to improve.
• (2) While the inverter 102 and the conversion device 104 To generate heat during operation and to be cooled, this cooling can be done through the cooling water channel 180 can be achieved between the inverter 102 and the conversion device 104 is provided. Thus, the cooling structure is simplified.
• (3) The one on the upper surface of the unit case 110 trained ground connection 112 allows easy maintenance and other operations in the power control unit 100 ,
• (4) The connection sections 162a - 162c located on the upper surface of the unit housing 110 are arranged, allow easy operation for connecting the terminal portions 162a - 162c and the power lines 131 - 131c ,
• (5) Since the connection sections 162a - 162c slightly upward from the upper surface of the unit housing 110 stand out, the connection friendliness of the terminal sections becomes 162a - 162c with the power lines 131 - 131c further improved. In addition, the connection sections prevent 162a - 162c that become the unitary case 110 extend, a large vertical distance between the upper surface of the unit housing 100 and the corresponding end portions of the power lines 131 - 131c connected to the connecting sections 162a - 162c are connected, so that the construction of the connecting sections 162a - 162c includes and arranged around it, can be made relatively compact, while a simple electrical connection between the terminal sections 162a - 162c and the power wires 131 - 131c is possible.
• (6) The unit case 110 consists of the upper housing section 110a and the main body portion 110b , The upper housing section 110a can from the main body section 110b be removed in the vertical direction, which is the maintenance or upkeep of the power control unit 100 simplified. When the upper housing section 110a to the main body portion 110b is fixed and removed from this, the connection carrier plate 122 that the connecting sections 162a - 162c carries on the upper surface of the upper housing section 110a from the original position in which the opening 120 through the connection carrier plate 122 is closed, slid to a position in which the opening 120 is open, leaving the connection sections 162a - 162c through the opening 120 can pass through, when the upper housing section 110a fixed and removed. Thus, the fixing and removal of the upper housing portion 110a without affecting the connection sections 162a - 162c be executed. When the upper housing section 110a to the main body portion 110d is attached, the connection carrier plate 122 on the upper surface of the upper housing section 110a laterally to the unitary housing 110 slidably moved, so that after attaching the upper housing section 110a the connection sections 162a - 162c on the connection carrier plate 122 be worn while the opening 120 through the connection carrier plate 122 closed to prevent foreign bodies or water from entering the unit housing 100 through the opening 120 to prevent. Thus, it allows easy movement of the connection carrier plate 122 , the connection sections 162a - 162c to carry and the opening 120 close.
• (7) The connection elements 170a - 170c for connecting the various components of the vehicle to the power control unit 100 are in the one-piece housing 172 housed, so the power control unit 100 can be made compact and easy to maintain. Furthermore, the one-piece housing 172 removable from the unitary housing 110 so that the upper housing section 110a can be easily removed. The ease of maintenance of the power control unit 100 will be further improved because the connecting elements 170a - 170c that in the one-piece housing 172 are housed to connect to the components with the same operating voltage.
• (8) It prevents the cover 126 erroneously with respect to the upper housing cut 110a is aligned, because the projection 127 and the depression 128 in engagement with the on the upper housing portion 110a are trained lead.
• (9) The unit case 110 is dimensioned such that the unitary housing 110 can be mounted on the battery console, which is provided in a side end portion of the engine compartment of the vehicle. This arrangement is effective to minimize a required design change of the engine compartment of the present vehicle having two electric power sources with respect to the engine compartment of a vehicle having a single electric power source.
• (10) The positive connection 152 the low voltage DC power source 150 (which has the rated voltage of 12 V) is on the unit housing 110 fixed so that when the engine of the present vehicle is started with a jumper cable, the positive terminal 152 with a 12 V DC battery in another vehicle, the worker connects the positive terminal 152 can find without difficulty.
• (11) The outer sheaths of the power lines of the rated 12V power source system and those of the nominal 36V power source system are colored differently for ease of distinction between these power lines in the two systems, so the serviceability of the power control unit 100 is improved. The outer sheaths of the power cables 131 - 131c . 130b . 130c and 133 used in the nominal 36V power source system have a light yellow (or golden yellow) color to clearly show the worker that it is not seriously harmful to the human body to be exposed to the voltage of these power lines but it is more or less dangerous for the human body.

In the exemplary embodiment described above, the upper housing portion 110a and the main body portion 110b through the busbar 118 electrically connected to each other. However, the exemplary embodiment may be modified in the manner described below. The busbar 118 can be replaced by metallic contactor sections at the junction between the upper housing and main body sections 110a . 110b are provided, these sections are arranged to contact each other directly. In this case, the joint may consist of the metallic contactor portion and a seal portion arranged to provide liquid tightness between the upper housing and main body portions 110a . 110b sure. This arrangement allows a passage of current between the upper housing and main body sections 110a . 110b without using any exclusive elements, such as the aforementioned bus bar.

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller (HV-ECU 106 ) as a programmed general purpose electronic control unit.

It is for a person skilled in the art that the control device under Using a single built-in special circuit (for example ASIC) with a main or central processing section for a general purpose System level control and separate sections are implemented can that for an execution various different specific calculations, functions and other processes under the control of the central processor section are determined. The controller may have a plurality of separate ones certain or programmable integrated or other electronic Circuits or devices (for example, hard-wired electronic or logic circuits, such as discrete element circuits, or programmable logic devices, such as PLD, PLA, PAL or the like). The control device can be performed using a properly programmed general purpose computer, For example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller or a other processor device (CPU or MPU), either alone or in conjunction with one or more peripheral (e.g. integrated) data and signal processing devices. In general, any device or assembly of Devices on which a state machine can be used which is able to implement the procedures described here, be used as the controller. A distributed processing architecture can for one maximum data / signal processing capability and speed be used.

Even though the invention with reference to preferred embodiments has been described, it is apparent that the invention is not to the preferred embodiment or corresponding constructions is limited. On the contrary should the invention covers various modifications and equivalent arrangements. additionally although the various elements of the preferred embodiment shown in different combinations and configurations, that serve as an example, other combinations and configurations, the extra or less elements or only a single element, also within the scope of the invention.

A power control unit installed in a vehicle includes a first power source (FIG. 150 ) and a second power source ( 140 ), each having different voltages, an inverter ( 102 ) equipped with a rotary device ( 26 ) and at least one of the first and second power sources ( 150 . 140 ) connected is. A conversion device ( 104 ) is connected to the first and second power sources. A housing ( 110 ) is formed of an electrically conductive material and has a ground connection formed thereon ( 112 ), where the converter ( 102 ) and the conversion device ( 104 ) in the housing ( 110 ) and with the ground connection ( 112 ) are connected via the housing.

Claims (20)

Performance control unit ( 100 ) installed in a vehicle, comprising: (a) a first power source ( 150 ) and (b) a second power source ( 140 ), each having different voltages, (c) an inverter ( 102 ) to be connected to a rotary device and the first and / or the second power source, and (d) a conversion device ( 104 ) to be connected to the first and second power sources, wherein the power control unit is a unitary package ( 110 ), in which the converter and the conversion device are accommodated, characterized in that: the unit housing ( 110 ) is formed of an electrically conductive material and a ground connection ( 112 ), wherein the converter ( 102 ) and the conversion device ( 104 ) by means of a respective associated negative terminal to the ground terminal ( 112 ) through the unit housing ( 110 ), and the conversion device ( 104 ) under the inverter ( 102 ) in the unit housing ( 110 ) is arranged. Power control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the ground connection ( 112 ) integral with the unit housing ( 110 ) is trained. Power control unit according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that a cooling device ( 180 ) between the inverter ( 102 ) and the conversion device ( 104 ). Power control unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ground connection ( 112 ) on an upper surface of the unit housing ( 110 ) is trained. Power control unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the unit housing ( 110 ) a first housing element ( 110a ) with the ground connection ( 112 ) and a second housing element ( 110b ), wherein the inverter and / or the conversion device is connected to the second housing element and the first and second housings are fixed to each other and electrically connected to each other. Power control unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the converter ( 102 ) with the first housing element ( 110a ) and the conversion device ( 104 ) with the second housing element ( 110b ) connected is. Power control unit according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first and second housing elements ( 110a . 110b ) by a busbar ( 118 are electrically connected to each other, which is fixed to outer surfaces of the first and second housing elements. A power control unit according to claim 5, wherein each of said first and second housing elements ( 110a . 110b ) has a sealing portion and a metallic contactor portion at a junction between the first and second housing members. Power control unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that turns of the rotary device ( 26 ) and the inverter ( 102 ) through power lines ( 131 - 131c ) and connecting sections ( 162a - 162c ), with which the power lines ( 131 - 131c ) are mounted on an upper surface of the unit housing ( 110 ) are arranged. Power control unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the connection sections ( 162a - 162c ) from the upper surface of the unit housing ( 110 protrude) and then laterally to the unit housing ( 110 ). Power control unit according to claim 10, characterized in that the unit housing ( 110 ) a main body portion ( 110b ) and an upper housing section ( 110a ), which is removably fixed in the main body portion in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface extending direction, wherein the upper housing portion ( 110a ) an upper wall with an opening ( 120 ), which allows the connection sections ( 162a - 162c ) allows to pass therethrough when the upper housing portion is fixed to the main body portion and is removed from the main body portion. Power control unit according to claim 11, characterized in that a connection carrier plate ( 122 ) on the upper surface of the upper housing section (FIG. 110a ) is arranged such that the connection carrier plate the connection sections ( 162a - 162c ) normally carries and over the opening ( 120 ), wherein the terminal support plate on the upper surface of the upper housing portion ( 110a ) is slidably movable laterally to the upper housing portion. Power control unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the connection carrier plate ( 122 ) is dimensioned so that it the opening ( 120 ) closes. Power control unit according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the rotary device ( 26 ) is a three-phase AC motor / generator, wherein the terminal sections ( 162a - 162c ) Comprise terminal portions corresponding to respective coil turns of the three phases of the motor / generator. Power control unit according to one of Claims 9 to 14, characterized in that it further comprises a cover element ( 162 ) which is attached to the unit housing ( 110 ) is fixed, wherein the cover member comprises a portion extending over the connecting portions ( 162a - 162c ) and covers, wherein the cover member has a projection ( 127 ) and a recess ( 128 ) for positioning the cover element with respect to the unit housing ( 110 ) having. Power control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the first power source ( 150 ) is a DC power source with a nominal voltage of 12 V and the second power source ( 140 ) is a DC power source having a rated voltage higher than 12 V, the unitary housing ( 110 ) a positive connection ( 152 ) of the first power source has fixed itself. Power control unit according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that connection elements ( 170a - 170c ), each with a plurality of built-in components ( 190 - 194 ) in a one-piece housing ( 172 ) are housed. Power control unit according to claim 17, characterized in that the one-piece housing ( 172 ) at the unit housing ( 110 ) is removably fixed. Power control unit according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the operating voltages of the plurality of components ( 190 - 194 ) are different and the connecting elements, which are to be connected to the components having the same operating voltage, in the one-piece housing ( 172 ) are housed. Performance control unit ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the first power source ( 150 ) has a nominal voltage of 12 V and the second power source ( 140 ) has a rated voltage of 36V.